Page 80 of Pretty Little Lies

And I also have two active players here that would be more than willing to manipulate any plans she has.

She could be here to play us. She also could be here because Emilio dragged her ass. It’s too gray, and I’m all about color.

The big picture.

And this can be easily solved tonight.

I didn’t want to force her hand since Emilio has been doing that all on his own. If I do what I’m thinking, it also throws more of a target on our heads. Wallace is going to print pictures of our faces and use them for aiming. However, one bullet in our direction and that could flatly announce a war that neither of us is quite ready for.

And would he do it over a woman he publicly humiliated and shunned as a whore?

Levi has a lot of pride. He demands respect at every turn. He’s also a good leader. Putting his town at risk over Bay Astor wouldn’t be the best move no matter how much he got into his feelings over it.

“You don’t have to take anything,” I tell her, rising from my spot and towering over her. Because I’m going to do that for her. “I’ll grab you some towels to dry off with.”

You’re going to need them.

“I’m fine,” she counters. “You can go.”

“Just so we’re clear…” She peers up at me when I don’t continue. “We won’t be making any moves on South Shore unless Wallace starts it. You can believe that, or shove it away as bullshit, but I’m not going to feed you lies when I have better shit to do.”

“Then why don’t you go do just that.”

“Because I’m not a complete prick. You look as though you’re freezing.”

“I didn’t just come off the Titanic.”

I shrug. “Maybe not. But you hit an iceberg tonight, didn’t you? Matteo wants you for something. You might not know what that is, but I bet it’s because Wallace tossed you to the wayside and threw a sign up on you that saidfree.”

She bristles at that. “Thanks for the insight. Now, get the fuck away from me.”

“Get used to me, Little Terror. Remember when I said you needed a friend all those years ago, and that we didn’t get to pick them? After tonight, you’re mine.”

“We’renotfriends,” she retorts sharply before a shiver shakes her whole body. “However, let me give you a little piece of advice. You better watch it. He plays dirty.”

She means Matteo and the Titan seat.

“I expect him to,” I reply. “De Leon was always a fucking cunt.”

She doesn’t look amused. “All over a chair.”

“A very powerful chair. One that Wharf Bay needs.”

“Stupid.”

“Well, we’re men, Bay. Would you expect anything different?” She scoffs, averting her eyes elsewhere. “You’re welcome for saving your life. And no need to get upset. I’m not planning a thing unless South Shore makes a move first.”

“And I’d believe you because…”

I shrug. “I guess there isn’t a reason to.”

She opens her mouth, brows pinched, but Reeve beats her ass to it when he comes ambling in the room, bee-lining right to her from my peripheral.

And I’m about to make him the happiest motherfucker alive.

Because she’s staying with us.

“McQueen, are you alright?”

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